Pakistan swears in its first-ever female Supreme Court judge

Pakistan swore in its first woman Supreme Court judge Monday in what is being dubbed a landmark moment.

Ayesha Malik, 55, took the oath at a ceremony in the capital Islamabad. The event was televised live. She now joins the bench alongside 16 male judges at the top court.

“I want to congratulate Justice Ayesha Malik on becoming the first woman judge of the Supreme Court. I wish her all the best,” Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted.

The nine-member body that confirmed Malik’s appointment had initially turned down her elevation last year, before voting 5-4 to approve her this year.

Some lawyers’ groups criticized the choice, arguing Malik was picked even though she is not among the top three most senior judges of the lower court from which she was elevated. They have called for a more objective criteria for the promotion of judges.

Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, who administered the oath to her, told reporters after the ceremony that Malik was competent enough to be promoted to the Supreme Court. “She deserved to become a judge of the Supreme Court [and] she became one. That’s what it is,” Ahmed said.

Senior opposition Senator Sherry Rehman tweeted the picture of Monday’s oath taking ceremony to congratulate Malik.

“Always believe you can do this! This is a picture full of promise and hope for the wonderful, talented, bright, courageous young women of Pakistan! Follow your dreams, be the change. #ayeshamalik ko bohat mubarak. Pakistan ko Mubarak”